Bible Study (6) - Authentic (6) - Doing Life Together in CHRIST - 1 Thessalonians 5:4-15 - May 19, 2024

 

Bible Study (6) – Authentic (6) – Doing Life Together in CHRIST – 1Thessalonians 5:4-15 – May 19, 2024

Our focus scripture is 1 Thessalonians 5:4-15.

Believer’s share and experience life in CHRIST together.

When we place our faith in JESUS, a miracle takes place quicker than the twinkle of an eye. GOD’S Spirit immediately joins with our human spirit, and we are born-again. The union of GOD’S Spirit with a human spirit result in a person’s eternal birth into GOD’S eternal family. GOD confirms this union with the Gift of The Holy Spirit and Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

GOD gives all born-again believers Gifts to minister in HIS vineyard, earth. We dwell in GOD’S vineyard for the purpose of sharing the Good News of Salvation through faith in JESUS THE CHRIST.

All “born-again” believers are upon earth to share the Good News of Salvation with others. They are to help teach and help those who are or will be Spirit-born to grow and mature in CHRIST.

Paul was eager to share the Gospel with others and desired to see all grow into Spiritual maturity.

The Apostle Paul knew that JESUS had told HIS disciples that HE was coming back to earth at a future time. Christians then and today are anxiously waiting for the return of JESUS and the rapture of all Christians form earth to Heaven to be forever with GOD and JESUS.

It is believed that the Apostle Paul was referring to himself in 1 Corinthians 12:1 Boasting is necessary. It is not profitable, but I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord. ² I know a man in Christ who was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don’t know; God knows. ³ I know that this man—whether in the body or out of the body I don’t know; God knows— ⁴ was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a human being is not allowed to speak. ⁵ I will boast about this person, but not about myself, except of my weaknesses.

When a person experiences something out of the ordinary and especially when it is in the Heavenly realm, it is clear in the person’s mind what took place but often difficult to express.

Paul saw things that he could not put into human words. I have a friend that was pronounced dead after an accident who went to Heaven. He could not put into words what he saw. Why? He said there were no human words for him to use to explain what he saw.

Paul told the Thessalonian’s about the second coming of JESUS as recorded in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:
The Comfort of Christ’s Coming

¹³ We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁵ For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout,^[e] with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage^[f] one another with these words.

Paul gives all who are born-again complete hope in JESUS – those who have died and those who are alive when JESUS comes.

Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 5:8:
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

The instant those who have been born again will immediately be in the presence of GOD/JESUS when he/she dies physically.

Paul’s message to all of us, who know the truth, is to share this truth with others. In today’s world is an excellent time to share this Good News with others to be eternally born into GOD’S eternal Family.

Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3:

5 About the times and the seasons: Brothers and sisters, you do not need anything to be written to you. ² For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. ³ When they say, “Peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Paul is writing to those in the family of faith. Thus, as we read on, he refers to those who are born-again as brothers and sisters. When we have been Spirit-born into the family of faith through our accepting JESUS as our Savior, we belong to GOD. We are GOD’S Children. Thus, brothers and sisters in CHRIST, thus, Family!

Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8:

 ⁴ But you, brothers, and sisters, are not in the dark, for this day to surprise you like a thief. ⁵ For you are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not sleep, like the rest, but let us stay awake and be self-controlled. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. ⁸ But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled and put on the armor of faith and love, and a helmet of the hope of salvation. 

As Children of GOD, we are light to those living in darkness. We are hope to those seeking to know the way to eternal life though faith in JESUS. Are we compelled to let the Spiritual light we have in JESUS shine to displace the darkness that shrouds our world today. We are the light and hope to those who are dying and have lost hope.

Be a Beacon to all facing the storms of life. JESUS said in the latter days there will be those who will attempt to deceive even the elect. This is why, we who know the truth must abide in truth, which is CHRIST in us, the hope of Glory. Colossians 1:27:
God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

GOD, in HIS wisdom, placed the Holy Spirit into jars of clay (human body), truth for us to share with others the Good News, the truth of salvation through faith in JESUS.

Exhortations and Blessings

Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11:

⁹ For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.

Once a person is born-again, he/she is eternally a Child of GOD. It does not matter whether the person is alive upon earth or has died, he/she is eternally alive. We who are alive upon earth are to share with others the Good News of Eternal Salvation through faith in JESUS.

Once saved, always saved but for some it may be like as recorded in 1 Corinthians 3:¹⁵ If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience^[e] loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire.

Yes, once saved, always saved but how we live following salvation determines our eternal rewards. We who are alive still have time to ask GOD to help us to be obedient to HIS commands and willingly obey HIS commands.

Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15:

¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you^[a] in the Lord and admonish you, ¹³ and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. ¹⁴ And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle,^[b] comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.

Paul is urging those who know the truth of salvation to recognize and understand that they have been given a precious eternal truth through faith in JESUS. This truth is not to be hidden but shared. The Holy Spirit brings to all who receive salvation the guarantee they are GOD’S Child and are encouraged in their walk with JESUS.

Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22:

 ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray constantly, ¹⁸ give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ¹⁹ Don’t stifle the Spirit. ²⁰ Don’t despise prophecies, ²¹ but test all things. Hold on to what is good. ²² Stay away from every kind of evil.

We who know the truth of salvation, through faith in JESUS, are to let our gospel light shine in a world that is dark. We, who know the truth, are light to others who are living in darkness, brought about by Satan and his followers.

I recall the time my son and I went Spelunking (Cave exploring) with the Boy Scouts. We were traversing a steep rock wall. We all had flashlights mounted on our hard hats. As I was about to go around a corner on the wall, I thought this would not be a good spot for my light to go out. But guess what? It did and there was momentary total blackness until the person behind me came around the corner and his light gave me enough light for me to continue around the next corner until I got to a safe place to get my light working again.

Folks, this is what life is all about, helping each other to dispel darkness as we journey through life. All of us will experience dark times in our lives.

DO NOT STIFLE THE SPIRIT BUT WELCOME AND USE THE GIFTS GOD HAS GIVEN TO YOU TO SERVE UPON EARTH.

We who know the truth are to let our light shine before others who are in darkness. We are the light. LET IT SHINE BECAUSE OTHERS DEPEND UPON IT.

If you have not asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins. You can do so now. Dear JESUS, I am a sinner and I need YOUR forgiveness for my sins, and I ask YOU to forgive me and for YOU to come into my heart now. I believe YOU willingly gave YOUR sinless life for me to be Spiritually born into GOD’S Eternal Family, never to be unborn. Thank you for giving me eternal life and confirming it with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help me to grow Spiritually as I continue to journey through life. Reveal YOUR truth to me as I read and study the Bible. Guide me to those who can help me grow Spiritually. Amen.

Ask GOD to lead you to a Bible teaching and believing church where you can grow Spiritually. Having fellowship with fellow believers is especially important.

Many who receive this study know that I attend Morningside Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC. We currently are praying for a pastor and trusting our LORD will call the right Pastor to our church. While we seek and wait, we pray and trust.

Come worship with us. Our staff is leading us as our LORD leads them by delivering GOD’S message in worship and music. To GOD BE THE GLORY, with thanks, to a loving, caring and praying congregation.

Blessings!!!

 

 

Bible Study (5) - Serving in CHRIST (5) - Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16 - May 12, 2024

 

Bible Study (5) – Serving in CHRIST (5) – Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16 – May 12, 2024

We are to minister to one another alongside one another.

Iron sharpens iron and burning embers burn longer when united.

Our focus scripture is Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16.

The Apostle Paul had been under arrest in Caesarea for 2 years before arriving in Rome to be under house arrest.

Paul saw and comprehended the redemptive plan that GOD put into effect through the passion of GOD’S only SON, JESUS.

Let’s read Ephesians 4:1-7:

Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ

4 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope^[a] at your calling— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Paul acknowledged that he was in prison but not for wrongdoing but for serving the LORD. Once Paul received and experienced the knowledge of the truth of GOD’S redemptive plan, through faith in JESUS, that is all that mattered to him. He was compelled to share this Good News with others. Christians today should have that same faith and commitment to share eternal truth with others.

Once Paul experienced GOD’S grace through faith in JESUS, his life went from squelching those who were becoming followers of JESUS to becoming an ardent follower and proclaimer of salvation through faith in JESUS.

Paul’s life was changed instantly when he encountered JESUS on the road to Damascus. Paul’s plan was to stop this new religious group called “The Way.”

The Way were followers of JESUS and threatened the Jewish religion. Paul was well trained in Judaism, being taught by the famous Jewish Rabbi Gamaliel.

Paul was approaching the end of his earthly life and ministry, but he was eagerly serving JESUS by telling others the Good News of forgiveness for sin and receiving eternal life through faith in JESUS.

Paul saw salvation through faith in JESUS as GOD’S eternal gift to all who place their faith in JESUS. Paul understood that JESUS willingly gave HIS sinless life to pay, in full, the sin debt for each person individually. Sin is an individual matter and has to be reconciled with GOD individually. How is that possible? Judaism was established on observing the Law. The law is stern and unforgiving, but it demanded a blood sacrifice to temporarily atone for sin. JESUS came to earth to fulfill the law and bring eternal grace to all who place their faith in HIM.

⁷ Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ For it says:

When he ascended on high,
he took the captives captive;
he gave gifts to people.^[b]

Paul knew the scripture and he knew that when JESUS ascended on high, JESUS had defeated all the forces that could hold HIM back. JESUS is and always will be the Victor over Satan and his minions. JESUS not only defeated Satan and his minions but took captives and HE opened the path for those who place their faith in HIM to receive salvation and THE Holy Spirit.

Do you know that as a Spirit-born person, you have the Holy Spirit in you? As such, GOD equips each Spirit-born person with at least one or more Spiritual Gifts, to be used as directed by GOD.

⁹ But what does “he ascended” mean except that he^[c] also descended to the lower parts of the earth?^[d] 10 The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. 

JESUS, GOD’S only SON, physically conceived by The Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, willingly came to earth to live a 100% human life, yet GOD. HE was tempted in all ways as humans are tempted, yet without sin. When GOD’s redemptive plan had been fulfilled, JESUS ascended back into Heaven. He took HIS seat at the righthand of GOD, HIS FATHER.

JESUS is our advocate to GOD our FATHER. Why? Because Satan is our accuser in Heaven when a Christian sins. JESUS is our advocate because born-again Christians have been eternally born into GOD’S eternal Family.

The Holy Spirit dwelling within every Spirit-born person gives direct and immediate access to GOD 24/7.

Folks, as Spirit-born Christians, we have been fully equipped to do all GOD calls us to do according to HIS purpose and plan. So, why don’t we use with which GOD has equipped us? Our humanness holds us back.

JESUS and HIS disciples had just fed over 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish, plus collecting 12 baskets of leftover food.

You may recall the event when JESUS was walking upon the water, Peter wanted to get out of the boat and walk with JESUS. JESUS told Peter to get out of the boat, which he did, and he walked on the water until he changed his focus from JESUS to the angry waves. Peter began to sink. He called out to JESUS and JESUS reached out to Peter and restored HIS walk upon the water. JESUS does the same for us today. HE desires for us to reach out to HIM as we walk with HIM.

Notice, Peter asked JESUS first and JESUS told him to get out of the boat. Often, we get out of our safe zone on our own to test GOD and when we do, we may sink, or JESUS can use it to teach us to wait upon HIM. JESUS still teaches HIS Children today. This was a definite teaching moment for JESUS disciples. JESUS made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of HIM.

This event is recorded in Matthew 14: ²² Immediately he^[f] made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³ After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone. ²⁴ Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance^[g] from land,^[h] battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. ²⁵ Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning.^[I] 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear.

²⁷ Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

(In a study of this scripture in the original scripture it gives the idea “JESUS appeared as if HE was going to walk past them.” I about lost it. JESUS has a sense of humor. I can envision HIM walking upon water and telling HIS disciples something like, “Gee guys, I think I will walk to the shore. I am making better time walking than you are rowing.”)

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ He said, “Come.”

And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the strength of the wind,^[j] he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

³² When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³ Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Paul continued to identify some of the Spiritual Gifts. There are many gifts given to those who GOD calls to serve in HIS Kingdom as revealed in our next scripture ----

Yes, every Spirit-born person has at least one or more Spiritual Gifts. The Passion of JESUS changed the Jewish worship system from observing the Law to Grace through faith in JESUS. Some of the Jews still cling to the law and are waiting for the coming of the promised Messiah. However, there are Messianic Jews today who acknowledge that JESUS did come as recorded in the New Testament scripture.

Let’s read Ephesians 4:11-13:

¹¹ And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 

Some Spirit-born Christians are “called” by GOD to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the purpose of equipping, building up the body until we ALL reach unity in faith, knowledge, and Spiritual maturity, as determined by “CHRIST’S fullness.”

WOW! This is a calling that GOD issues to those HE has chosen to fulfill these specific purposes. These are some of the Spiritual Gifts but there are more as Paul recorded in 1 Corinthians 12:1- Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers, and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. ² You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. ³ Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶ There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

⁷ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸ To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,^[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.^[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he (GOD) determines.

These are a few of the Spiritual Gift’s GOD gives to those HE chooses to serve in HIS Kingdom upon earth. Keep in mind verse 11, above. We can desire a gift or gifts, but GOD is the giver. Very important!!!

Let’s Read Ephesians 4:14-16:

¹⁴ Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. ¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.

What do we need in most churches? We need to grow up Spiritually! We need to know and apply what GOD’S Word reveals to us.

GOD desires to equip those who are Spirit-born with gifts of the Spirit. Are we afraid of receiving one or more of the Spiritual Gifts to minister in GOD’S Kingdom?

If we are, then we need to confess it to our LORD and ask HIM to create within us an obedient heart to serve HIM as HE directs.

Folks, GOD is calling all who have been born-again to step up and be counted to serve HIM through faith in JESUS. HE will direct our paths and HE gives the increase!!!

Folks as we approach the second coming of JESUS, we, as Spirit-born people, must know the scripture and be filled and led by the Holy Spirit, fully equipped to march forward into the Spiritual battle that will take place. We must keep our eyes focused upon JESUS as we walk with HIM, lest we sink! But if we do, we can cry out to JESUS and HE reaches out with HIS power to lift us up.

Blessings!!!

 

Bible Study (4) - Worshipping GOD (4) - Psalm 34 - May 5, 2024

 

Bible Study (4) – Worshipping GOD (4) – Psalm 34:1-3, 8-10, 15-18 – May 5, 2024

Our focus scripture is Psalm 34:1-3,8-10, 15-18.

WHEN WE WORSHIP GOD TOGETHER, WE EXPERIENCE JOY IN HIS PRESENCE.

How is that possible? JESUS stated in Matthew 18:20: ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.”

David wrote Psalm 34, and he experienced the joy and unity among fellow worshippers when they came together to sing the praises of GOD. It is much like the embers or coals of a nice fire. Together they produce nice warming heat but separated the embers begin to lose heat and are not as effective.

Proverbs 19:21: 21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

As you may recall, before JESUS ascended into Heaven after HIS passion, JESUS stated in Luke 24: ⁴⁴ He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me (JESUS) in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” ⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

JESUS told us that “everything written about HIM in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

Since the Passion of JESUS, all who have placed their faith in JESUS, have the Holy Spirit indwelling them to teach them and reveal truth to them from GOD and the scripture.

Let’s read Psalm 34:1-7:

The Lord Delivers the Righteous

Concerning David, when he pretended to be insane in the presence of Abimelech, who drove him out, he departed. David was fleeing from King Saul and went to Abimelech for refuge but while there he became concerned for his safety and pretended to be insane. David was able to leave Abimelech without incident. GOD does provide creative ways for us to escape from bad situations. The key is, once a person asks GOD for a way out of a dire situation and he/she sees the escape path, he/she must take the path to escape. Once you see it take it.

As we read Psalm 34, notice the attitude of David. David has great confidence in GOD. How did David get such confidence? Do you think it was while tending sheep? He had to take matters into his own hands and kill the enemy of his sheep (bears, lions, thieves, etc.) At first David may have been apprehensive. Is this when David saw the hand of GOD protecting him? I think so as we consider the words David wrote in this Psalm.                                                                                                                                               

¹ I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
² I will boast in the Lord;
the humble will hear and be glad.
³ Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me;
let us exalt his name together.

How we approach GOD is vital. David approached GOD with adoration, respect, trust, and praise. He was confident in his relationship with GOD. David reached out to others to join him in the praise and adoration of the ONE TRUE GOD, YAWEH, I AM.

We know that David was a man after GOD’S own heart, yet David committed grievous sins. WHAT DOES THAT TELL US? ALL OF US ARE TARGETS OF Satan. We, who have been Born-Again Spiritually, must keep in our minds, as recorded in 1 John4:4: ⁴ You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one (JESUS) who is in you is greater than the one (Satan) who is in the world.

JESUS dwells within all Spirit-born people through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

As a Christian, when things go wrong, don’t fuss, and lose your temper. Pause and rebuke Satan out loud in the name of JESUS and then focus on what you are doing. Satan and his demons want to pester you and me but remember, “Greater is JESUS WHO is in you than Satan, who is in the world.”

Let’s read on and consider the attitude of the writer of this Psalm toward GOD.

⁴ I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and rescued me from all my fears.
⁵ Those who look to him are^[a] radiant with joy;
their faces will never be ashamed.
⁶ This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him from all his troubles.
⁷ The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and rescues them.

When we, who seek to be in right relationship with GOD, TRUST HIM AND OBEDIENTLY FOLLOW HIM. Once a person learns to trust GOD, it opens the door to serving GOD through faith in JESUS.

Faith and trust grow as we serve our LORD JESUS. The same was true of David, the more he served GOD, the deeper his love for GOD grew and became real.

^{Let’s read Psalm 34:8-10:}

⁸ Taste and see that the Lord is good.
How happy is the person who takes refuge in him!

How does a person taste and see? GOD and JESUS have to be internalized and become real for us to trust and obey through being obedient to the call of the Holy Spirit.

⁹ You who are his holy ones, fear (show reverence and respect to) the Lord,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
¹⁰ Young lions^[b] lack food and go hungry,
but those who seek the Lord
will not lack any good thing.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

GOD can be trusted to provide for our needs!

¹¹ Come, children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
¹² Who is someone who desires life,
loving a long life to enjoy what is good?
¹³ Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from deceitful speech.
¹⁴ Turn away from evil and do what is good;
seek peace and pursue it.

You and I choose every day what thoughts we allow into our minds. We make a choice to allow them into our minds or kick them out as we claim faith in JESUS and HIS shed blood.

We must keep in mind that the Holy Spirit had not been sent to indwell earthly bodies when David wrote this Psalm, but GOD revealed Himself to those who sought to be in right relationship with HIM.

Since the passion of CHRIST and Pentecost the Holy Spirit indwells every Spirit-born person and is his/her guarantee of eternal life.

Let’s read Psalm 34:15-18:

¹⁵ The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their cry for help.
¹⁶ The face of the Lord is set
against those who do what is evil,
to remove^[c] all memory of them from the earth.
¹⁷ The righteous^[d] cry out, and the Lord hears,
and rescues them from all their troubles.
¹⁸ The Lord is near the brokenhearted;
he saves those crushed in spirit.

¹⁹ One who is righteous has many adversities,
but the Lord rescues him from them all.
²⁰ He protects all his bones;
not one of them is broken.
²¹ Evil brings death to the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
²² The Lord redeems the life of his servants,
and all who take refuge in him will not be punished.

Verse 19 is prophesy regarding JESUS when HE was crucified and a foreshadow of GOD’S grace. GOD has the back of all who place their faith in JESUS. A person’s faith in JESUS, as the true one and only Son of GOD, HIS physical sinless life upon earth, physical death to pay in full for all sin by the shedding of HIS blood and the physical resurrection of JESUS by GOD is the foundation upon which all Spirit-born people build upon, through faith in JESUS.

Do you recall the teaching of JESUS when Nicodemus came to JESUS at night as recorded in John 3:1-8: There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. ² This man came to him at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.”

³ Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again,^[a] he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

⁴ “How can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?”

⁵ Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water (physically) and the Spirit, he/she cannot enter the kingdom of God. ⁶ Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. ⁷ Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again. ⁸ The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Spiritual birth is a miracle. The Spirit of GOD (Divine Sperm) unites with a person’s human spirit (Egg). Spiritual conception takes place quicker than the twinkling of the eye. The Holy Spirit is that person’s guarantee he/she has been Spiritually born into GOD’S eternal Family and his/her guarantee of eternal life.

If you have not experienced this miracle, do you want to? Then ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for JESUS to come into your heart. When you do, remember you are a Spiritual Newborn, and you need to feed or be fed Spiritual nutritious food, study GOD’S Word (The Bible) and exercise by putting into action what you are learning.

Pray and ask GOD to lead you to a Bible teaching, believing and application of the Gift(s) GOD gave to you the moment you asked JESUS into your heart. Spiritual Gifts have to be opened and applied as led by the Holy Spirit.

Keep in your mind that you are on a journey and getting to know JESUS in a wonderful, powerful way. Talk to GOD as often as you need to and be honest with HIM. Prayer is talking to GOD and prayer is the key to walking with JESUS as The Holy Spirit leads you. Blessings!!!